Dan (rank): grading system in martial arts, go and shogi

Structure and typical ranges

Dan rankings usually start at 1st dan and progress upward; the highest numbered dan depends on the discipline and organization. In many martial arts, a 1st dan marks the first black-belt level, while higher dan grades recognize greater technical skill, teaching experience, or contributions to the art. In board games, dan levels identify increasingly strong players; there are both amateur and professional dan categories with separate standards.

How promotions are determined

Criteria for awarding dan grades vary widely. Common factors include technical examinations, competitive performance, time-in-grade, teaching activity, and peer or committee review. Some organizations use formal tests with set techniques, while others may grant higher dan ranks as honorary distinctions for lifetime achievement. Promotional systems and the meaning of each dan can differ between countries and associations.

Historical development

The modern dan–kyu structure was popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to organize instruction and competition. It provided a clearer progression than older master–apprentice models and helped standardize teaching. Over time the model spread beyond Japan and was adapted by many martial arts and mind sports worldwide.

Applications and distinctions

• Martial arts: Dan often corresponds with belt colors and formal titles; very high dan grades may be rare or honorary.
• Go and shogi: Both use dan ranks to indicate strength; professional dan grades are usually distinct from amateur dan grades.
• International variation: Equivalent ranking terms exist in other languages (for example, Chinese "du") and national federations set their own rules.

Notable facts

Although a dan number gives a quick sense of ability, direct comparisons across disciplines or organizations can be misleading. Two people with the same dan rank in different styles or countries may have very different skills and responsibilities. The dan system remains a widely recognized way to signal achievement, preserve standards, and structure instruction in both physical and intellectual arts.